Catholic Charities restores family's dreams

Organization helps father and three children get back on their feet after series of challenges.

Dec. 6, 2012

Lisa Townsend, 3, swings while playing with her father, Bobby, at Catholic Charities' The Mission on Nov. 21. Bobby, his daughter and two sons Kieran, 5, and Zach, 7, are homeless and stayed at the mission. / Rich Abrahamson/Coloradoan

Helping the Townsends

If you have information or access to a housing solution for the Townsend family, contact Jackie Marks at Catholic Charities of Larimer County at (970) 484-5010, extension 205 or email jmarks@ccdenver.org.

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This is not what Bobby Townsend had planned.

But the single father of three young children takes a look around the Catholic Charities of Larimer County shelter with a sense of gratitude, not bitterness.

Not unlike so many others, Townsend, 41, faced a domino-like series of incidents that led him to seek help from the shelter called The Mission at 460 Linden Center Drive. His wife left him and the children, taking her small income with her. Their landlord, hearing of the wife’s departure, said he knew that Townsend couldn’t afford the rent and evicted the family. Soon after, Townsend lost his full-time job at a plant nursery. He found another job, but was laid off. That company, another plant nursery, has since asked him to work part-time. Exhausting every housing option available, Townsend was referred to Catholic Charities of Larimer County

Catholic Charities of Larimer County is a recipient agency of the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund, a holiday fundraising campaign that provides donations to area nonprofits in Larimer and Weld counties. The fund was created by El Pomar Foundation, Colorado’s oldest foundation. Catholic Charities of Larimer County is dedicated to meeting the challenges that confront families and individuals in the community, from providing emergency shelter to helping make utility payments.

Despite his family’s difficult situation, Townsend said staying at the shelter has been a blessing for him and his children, Zach, who will turn 8 on Christmas Day, Kieran, 5, and Lisa, 3.

“This has been a great place for us. The staff and residents have been such a positive force in our lives right now,” Townsend said, while watching Kieran and Lisa play quietly with a stuffed animal. “Through the people here, I’ve become a better father and a better person. Nobody wants this experience, but it has made us better.”

He points to the requirement of daily chores and structure at the shelter that have fostered a sense of responsibility and self worth for him. His case worker, Jackie Marks, has been invaluable in helping him navigate through paperwork and requirements to find a more permanent solution for his family. He faces a situation seen by so many in that he makes enough of an income not to qualify for some services but not nearly enough to pay for housing. “It’s one of those typical stories — you’re almost 20 dollars away not having a home,” he said, scratching his forehead. He continues to look for full-time employment and reliable child care.

Despite the uncertainty of their housing situation, the children have found the shelter comforting and they are enjoying a new playground. Townsend said he is even learning how to care better for his children, including learning how to style his daughter’s tousled blonde hair.

Above all, Townsend is grateful that Catholic Charities of Larimer County has allowed him to dream again.

“I have dreams like anyone else. I want a very modest house with a little garden, or even an apartment where I could grow a small garden. I dream of it.”